Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells while causing the least possible damage to normal cells. It is most often used to try to reduce the size of the cancer if the tumor is causing pain or to attempt to treat cancer that has spread into the brain or the bones.

The treatment is given in the hospital's radiotherapy department on an outpatient basis.

When used to relieve symptoms, it is given for a few minutes each day over a period of time.

Radiotherapy can cause general side effects such as fatigue. Other side effects depend on the part of the body being treated, although these are usually mild if the radiotherapy is given to relieve symptoms. Overall, the side effects gradually disappear once your course of treatment has concluded, though it is important to let your doctor know if the symptoms persist.